Wednesday, July 30
Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding
For some, it starts out on two wheels.
Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.
Serving Families For 90 Years
Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.
An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.
Column: “CanSir”
When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.
Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia
On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.
Cronin Gives Oakton Girls’ Basketball Defensive Presence
Q&A: Rising senior named 2014 Conference 5 Defensive POY.
Oakton rising senior Karlie Cronin is a basketball and lacrosse standout at Oakton.
Silver Line Officially Opens
Weihle-Reston East to Largo Town Center.
After the speeches, after the ribbon-cutting, there was a mad rush to board the first publicly open rail cars that rolled on the Silver Line heading towards Tysons Corner.
Tysons Welcomes Metrorail
Arrival of Silver Line to Tysons set to encourage residential development.
Five Silver Line Metro stations located in Reston and Tysons Corner opened to the public on Saturday, July 26.
First Train Arrives to McLean
Grand opening of the new metro line welcomed by residents.
It was 12:23 p.m. Saturday, July 26 when for the first time, a full Silver Line metro train zoomed from Reston, through Tysons Corner and into the new McLean metro station.
Temporary Fire Station To Be Constructed In Herndon
New fire station expected to be complete by spring of 2016.
The original station was built in 1950 and according to fire officials cannot accommodate newer, larger-sized vehicles such as ladder trucks.
Vinehaven Under Construction
Homes will fit character of downtown.
The three-level, 17 properties currently being built at the corner of Vine and Center streets will be finished as soon as early next year.
Lights Go Up Along W&OD Trial
Construction projects underway in downtown Herndon.
In downtown Herndon construction has been occurring at several locations including the Vinehaven townhouse project on Vine Street.
Northwest Federal Launches Six Ton Challenge
Northwest Federal Credit Union has set a goal to collect 12,000 pounds of non-perishable food items – or six tons of spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, canned juice and cereal boxes – by Aug. 15 for its annual food drive.
Oak Hill Resident in ‘Shrek the Musical’
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
Governor's Mansion, Confidential
Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.
When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.
Thursday, July 24
Apartments, Retail Planned: Kamp Washington Triangle
Fairfax City Council concerned about density, affordability.
It’s still a work in progress, but Novus Fairfax Gateway LLC hopes to transform part of the Kamp Washington triangle between Fairfax Boulevard and Lee Highway into a modern, community-serving, mixed-use project.
Pet Connection July 2014
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”
Wednesday, July 23
Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women
Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.
When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.
Meet Best Friends of Herndon
People and pets: stories from neighborhood.
Lily and Lauren Runz, 5 year old twins, have a pug named Puma.
Riches from RAGS Exhibit to Open at ArtSpace Herndon
Fine art by the 11 artists of Reston Art Gallery & Studios (RAGS) will be featured in a special exhibit, Riches from RAGS, at ArtSpace Herndon from Tuesday, July 29 until Sunday, Aug. 24.
Wiehle-Reston East Opens for Metro Riders
Fairfax County holds open house at Reston garage.
Fairfax County held an open house at the Wiehle-Reston East Garage on July 19 to show potential Metro riders access and parking options.
Foust, Comstock Battle Women’s Issues
Hot button topic is discussed in wake of Hobby Lobby decision.
One of the hotbed issues of the last month was triggered when the Supreme Court decided that for-profit corporations can be exempt from a law if the owner objects for religious reasons. The reason? Contraceptives. Women’s health issues are among the issues that Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) and Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) – candidates for 10th District Congressional seat -- butt heads on.
Herndon High Band Students Participate in American Music Abroad Trip
The students were part of a 69-member honor band which performed in Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.
Herndon High Presents ‘Hello Dolly!’
Musical performances set for Aug. 1, 2 and 3.
The first week of August the Grand Musical Theatre Experience returns to Herndon High School with a production of the musical “Hello Dolly!”
Town Preservationist Wanted
Position has been vacant for most of the year.
A seat on the town’s Heritage Preservation Review Board has been vacant for most of the year. The town is seeking a historic preservationist with three to five years of education and experience as soon as possible to give advice on preserving Herndon’s small town charm.
Libraries Promote Summer Reading
Fairfax County program encourages students to read.
Every summer, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) offers a summer reading program for children ages preschool-12th grade.
Puppies Destined for Important Work
Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.
Enjoying Summer at the Reston’s Dog Park
Restonians and their dogs socialize at one of Reston’s many community facilities.
While many make the trip to the Reston’s only open-air, off-leash dog park a handful of times a year, many others make it part of their daily routine.
Cooling Off at Neighboring Pool
Enjoying Herndon summer at Kingstream.
Since more than 200 neighborhood members attended the pool’s kick off BBQ on May 24, Kingstream Pool has been a great place for families, athletes, and friends to cool off on hot summer days.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
Friday, July 18
Greenspring Resident Receives Award from American Legion
The American Legion Department of Virginia held its 96th annual convention July 10-July 13 in Herndon. During the event, representatives from the department presented a variety of awards including those for leadership and service.
Thursday, July 17
Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: June, 2014
In June 2014, 99 homes sold between $1,225,000-$185,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: June, 2014
Wednesday, July 16
Financial Education for College Students
Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.
As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.
Numbers Indicate Stable Market
June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.
The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.
Between Halves
At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.
Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area
For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Fairfax County Prepares Bus System For Silver Line
Bus changes help ensure Silver Line success.
Among the changes are elimination of old bus routes and the closure of the Sunset Hills Interim parking in Reston near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway.
Herndon Enjoys Summer in Spotlight
Downtown Herndon remains active despite summer heat.
On July 9 and July 10, reporters from channel NBC4 visited downtown Herndon to share some of the special qualities of the town.
Teens Learn the Law
Youth academy teaches teens law enforcement.
The students got to sit in the front seat of a police car, learn about crime scene investigation, see a real court case and meet some of the police dogs who also report for duty at the station.
New Town Council, New Fiscal Year
Council approves reserves for future, current projects.
The fiscal year ends June 30, said town Director of Finance Mary Tuohy, and the town council is asked every year to review and approve reserving money not used in the previous budget for ongoing or upcoming projects.
Wednesday, July 9
Classified Advertising July 9, 2014
Read the lastest ads here!
Fees for Reston Metro Garage Announced
$4.85 per car daily, $75 annually for bike room.
The parking fees for the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station garage has been finalized.
Herndon Town Calendar Photos On Display
Photos of Herndon on display at ArtSpace Herndon.
ArtSpace Herndon has opened the annual Town of Herndon Calendar Exhibit, featuring finalists from the 2014 Town of Herndon Calendar Competition.
Sharing with Neighbors During Ramadan
Project Food Boost helps families in need in Herndon area.
For the tenth year in a row, the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help (FAITH) in Herndon is organizing a food distribution event to correspond with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
A New Work Order
Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.
Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.
Local Company Recommended for Silver Line Contract
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, to submit final proposals.
A local construction company has been recommended to be awarded a Silver Line Phase II contract.
You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?
Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.
Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.
Potter’s Fire Awards Trophies For Holiday Challenge
Businesses show community spirit in downtown Herndon.
The Potter’s Fire Throwdown is a contest developed to challenge other businesses in Herndon to decorate their storefronts for the patriotic holidays from May 10 to the 4th of July.
‘Let’s Dance!’
Classical Ballet Theatre brings women together.
Ballet isn’t only for little girls in pink tutus.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
Tuesday, July 8
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.
Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals
On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.
Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success
For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.
Wednesday, July 2
July 4th Festivities in Fairfax County
A list of celebratory events taking place on July 4th.
A list of parades, fireworks and family-friendly events taking place this Friday, July 4.
Silver Line: A Welcome Newcomer to Neighborhood
Reston, Herndon residents, community leaders reflect on upcoming opening of Silver Line.
Just how long have the residents of Reston and Herndon been waiting for their own rail connection to the Greater Washington Metro system?
Full-Day Mondays Start in September
Teachers promised planning time.
Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Herndon High to Host STEM Boot Camp
New STEM Academy hopes to squash dropout rates.
After growing more concerned with Herndon High School’s dropout rate, Gustavo Pacheto decided he was going to help change it.
New Playground Opens At Herndon Community Center
Children’s playground now open at Bready Park.
“This playground packs as much as possible into the space, and incorporated most of the suggestions we gathered from the community and the school kids,” stated Cynthia Hoftiezer, Project Coordinator for the Town of Herndon.
Town Of Herndon Holds Swearing In Ceremony
Mayor Merkel and 2014-2016 Town Council sworn in to office.
More than 200 persons attended the event, including U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11), Del. Mark Keam (D-35), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Sharon Bulova, former Board of Supervisors Chairman Kate Hanley, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, and former Herndon Mayors Carol Bruce, Mike O’Reilly, and Steve DeBenedittis.
Letter: Investing in Communities
We are fortunate to live in a community that places such a high priority on ensuring that our children have the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.
Dr. Finley Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Herndon
Dr. Thomas P. Finley has announced the 25th anniversary in historic downtown Herndon, Dr. Finley’s Family Eyecare, Optometrists.
Katelyn Briggs and Michael Hitti Engaged
Michael and Katelyn are Herndon High School sweethearts and graduated from HHS in 2008.
Young Northwest Federal CU Members Deposit $156K
Youngsters throughout Northern Virginia joined Northwest Federal Credit Union to celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week, an event designed to help area youth learn about money and the value of saving.
High School Graduates Receive Scholarships
Closet of Greater Herndon awards 12 scholarships.
The Closet of Greater Herndon recently awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to 12 high school graduates in ceremonies at five local high schools.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).